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Get Lit!

April 8-14. Week-long celebration of reading, writing and storytelling for all ages. Special events: April 11, 7 p.m., Authors Jonathan Evison and Kim Barnes; April 12, 7 p.m., Authors Joyce Carol Oates, Jaimy Gordon and David Shields; April 13, 7 p.m., Authors Major Jackson and Robert Wrigley; April 14, 11:30 a.m., Author Rebecca Stead.
Joyce Carol Oates is the author of more than 50 novels and dozens of other works, including memoirs, novellas, short story and poetry collections, and plays. Her status as one of the most prolific and versatile writers of our time has earned her numerous awards, including the 2012 PEN Center Award for Lifetime Achievement, the 2012 Mailer Prize for Lifetime Achievement, a National Book Award, and a 2010 National Humanities Medal. Her most recent publications include the forthcoming gothic novel The Accursed (2013), the short story collection Black Dahlia & White Rose (2012), and Mudwoman (2012).
Jaimy Gordon will read from her National Book Award-winning novel, “Lord of Misrule” (2010), a story of risk taking and horse racing. David Shields is the author of 14 works of fiction and nonfiction, including the controversial literary manifesto, “Reality Hunger” (2010). He will read from his latest work of nonfiction, “How Literature Saved My Life” (2013).
Major Jackson is the award-winning author of three collections of poetry, including “Leaving Saturn” (2002), winner of the Cave Canem Poetry Prize and a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, and Hoops (2006), a finalist for the NAACP Image Award. His most recent collection, “Holding Company” (2010) distills all the complexity of his perspective into concise ten-line poems bursting with lyricism, regret, and redemption. Joining him will be acclaimed poet Robert Wrigley who will read from his ninth collection, “The Church of Omnivorous Light” (2013).
Jonathan Evison is the author of the bestselling novels “All About Lulu” (2008) and “West of Here” (2011). His new novel, “The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving” (2012), follows the unlikely friendship of Ben Benjamin - 40, newly single, and coming unhinged - and his 19-year-old patient, Trey. Together, they set out on a hilarious, harrowing road trip where they learn what it means to care, and to heal. Kim Barnes is the author of the five works of fiction and nonfiction, including the Pulitzer Prize-finalist “In the Wilderness” (1997). Her most recent novel, “In the Kingdom of Men” (2013), tells the story of Gin, a young Oklahoma native who follows her oil worker husband to Saudi Arabia where she faces new temptations and oppression, and finds her husband accused of murder.
Rebecca Stead is the author of “First Light” (2007) and “When You Reach Me” (2009), winner of the John Newberry Medal for children’s literature. Her latest work, “Liar & Spy” (2012), became a New York Times Bestseller and was named a Best of 2012 children’s book by Kirkus Reviews, Publisher’s Weekly and others. In this quirky and insightful novel, seventh-grader Georges befriends Safer, a 12-year-old self-appointed spy. Together they track their secretive neighbor Mr. X; but as the mystery unravels, Georges must face difficult truths about loyalty and friendship. Reading, questions/answers and book signing. Her reading is free to age 18 and younger or students 18 and and older with ID.